DHL set to open USD1.5m airport facility in Pasay
As part of the first phase of its investment program, air express company DHL will open its newly refurbished airport gateway facility in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City in September.
DHL Express Philippines country manager Charles Brewer yesterday said the refurbishment of the nearly one-hectare facility is estimated to have cost between $1.5 million and $2 million.
“We have completely renovated the facility. We are opening it on Sept. 24… We have the state-of-the-art IT equipment and new customs offices,” he said, in a talk with reporters.
Mr. Brewer said DHL is already preparing for the second phase of its investment program, which could include the opening of more service centers. However, the location of new service centers would depend on customer demand.
“The second phase is more of an open-ended investment plan. When the opportunity comes along, we could have more facilities and more people… It would also be customer-driven and business driven,” he said.
In the last two years, DHL has invested $30 million in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, DHL launched its Time Definite Delivery products, StartDay Express and MidDay Express in key Asian business hot spots last week.
The StartDay Express offers next day delivery by 9 a.m. to Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong and Bangkok. The product costs an additional $35 on top of the standard express service.
The MidDay Express offers customers next day delivery by 12 noon to the four countries plus Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka. This costs an additional $15-$20 more than the standard express service.
Since the launch last Tuesday, Mr. Brewer said there seems to be more interest on the Time Definite Products in the Philippines than other Asian countries where it was simultaneously launched.
“This is the latest product for those customers who want the fastest guaranteed time for their documents to arrive. This would target companies with mission-critical documents like contracts and bid tenders,” he said.
Copyright 2003 BusinessWorld (Philippines). Source: Financial Times Information Limited – Asia Intelligence Wire
